How to Cut Tile
Purchase a tile cutter that's wider than your tiles., Practice using the tile cutter with some scrap tile or less expensive pieces. , Use a pencil to make a tick mark on both sides of the glazed side of the tile, where the cut begins and ends...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase a tile cutter that's wider than your tiles.
If you are laying a diagonal pattern and have to do diagonal cuts, measure the size of the tile from corner to corner and buy a tile cutter that is wider than that.
It should also have a rotating guide that allows you to make cuts at different angles. -
Step 2: Practice using the tile cutter with some scrap tile or less expensive pieces.
,,, Make sure the tick marks are directly over the guide line, and the tile is snug against the stop.
If you need cut multiple tiles exactly alike, adjust the protractor gauge so it's against the side of the tile and tighten it in place. , Push down on the lever and drag the wheel across the tile with even pressure to cut through the glazed surface.
The motion should be continuous.
Only score the tile once. ,, If the cut edge will be hidden under molding, you can skip smoothing it. -
Step 3: Use a pencil to make a tick mark on both sides of the glazed side of the tile
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Step 4: where the cut begins and ends.
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Step 5: Slide the lever on the tile cutter so the blade is closest to you.
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Step 6: Place the tile in the cutter with the glaze side up.
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Step 7: Move the lever so the carbide or tungsten-steel wheel is on the tick mark at the edge of the tile.
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Step 8: Push down on the lever to apply pressure on both sides of the score line
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Step 9: which is now the weakest point on the tile
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Step 10: and snap it in two.
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Step 11: Rub a sharpening stone against the cut edge of the tile to smooth it.
Detailed Guide
If you are laying a diagonal pattern and have to do diagonal cuts, measure the size of the tile from corner to corner and buy a tile cutter that is wider than that.
It should also have a rotating guide that allows you to make cuts at different angles.
,,, Make sure the tick marks are directly over the guide line, and the tile is snug against the stop.
If you need cut multiple tiles exactly alike, adjust the protractor gauge so it's against the side of the tile and tighten it in place. , Push down on the lever and drag the wheel across the tile with even pressure to cut through the glazed surface.
The motion should be continuous.
Only score the tile once. ,, If the cut edge will be hidden under molding, you can skip smoothing it.
About the Author
Sandra Bailey
Enthusiastic about teaching practical skills techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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